By Jacob Plecker. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Despite holding a one-run lead through the first four innings against No. 1 Tennessee after a Makayla McClain lead-off home run, the App State softball team couldn’t quite pull off the upset as the Volunteers rallied for six in the fifth inning to take the lead before claiming a 9-1 win. This capped off a doubleheader split for the Mountaineers, as they took down the North Carolina Central Eagles, 9-0, in five innings to open the day.
Along with her lead-off home run against the top-ranked Volunteers (15-0), McClain drove home four runs on Friday, which included a three-RBI game against N.C. Central (1-14). McClain’s home run against Tennessee’s Erin Nuwer was the first run that she has allowed all season. Additionally, Julia Girk posted a near-perfect day at the dish with three hits in four at-bats and two runs scored across the doubleheader.
Although she took the loss against the Volunteers, freshman pitcher Camryn Fisher pitched very well in her start for App State (12-3) in game two. Fisher held an offense that came into the contest averaging just over eight runs a game, scoreless through four innings. Fisher struck out four batters and didn’t allow an earned run in the game.
App State’s staff pitched well as a whole on Friday, as Sophie Moshos kicked off the doubleheader with a complete-game shutout against N.C. Central in five innings. Moshos allowed just two hits and two baserunners in the game. The Mountaineers’ pitchers allowed just three earned runs for the day.
How it Happened…